Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Hello, it's me...

Hello, it's me

I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet

To go over everything....

-Adele-

Helloooooooooo!!! Is anyone still here?!

I am SO sorry for ghosting you for over a year on the blog and five months on Instagram. I have no excuses... none... nada... zippo... nothin'... . Nor do I have any explanations. I simply just fell off the proverbial social media. I will blame it on my introvertedness (not a real word, I know) and just needing to be quiet.

We are all very well- healthy and happy I am very pleased to report! I apologize to those of you who have contacted me out of concern for our well being; I'm really sorry to have made you worry.

Something major has happened in our lives and if you follow me on Instagram you already know this, but for those of you that don't Dan retiredgraduated from flying this past July after 31 years with American Airlines. The FAA mandates that commercial pilots must retire at 65. Dan turned 65 in August.

I chose to call it "graduating" because it sounded so much more upbeat and fun as we start on this next adventure!

Since this was, and is, a big part of our lives I thought I would start back posting (here and on Instagram) where I left off on IG with Dan's retirement flight. I want to share the experience, which was really cool, and also have these photos all in one place for the sweet memories.

I went along on his last trip, which was a three-day trip with layovers in Tampa, Florida and Boise, Idaho. I had not flown on his plane with him in over a decade. Being on his final trip and, ultimately, his final flight with American was exciting, fun, bittersweet, and so insightful about all that he would be leaving behind.

My very handsome Captain of my 💓

on day-one of his final trip.

This was my last post on Instagram from July 31 😱 (again... sorry for the ghosting.)

I received a very sweet and funny email from a concerned reader named Sandy who wrote... "You have not posted since it was to be Dan’s final flight?? Did you not make it home?Did you disappear and get a new identity? Are you on a lonely island somewhere? All this is said in fun, but I miss your posts."

Especially with that new show this season called Manifest (where an airplane and its passengers go missing for five years)I bet lots of you thought the same thing!:)

Day one started very early. We had to get up at 2 a.m., (which was a weekly occurrence for Dan) to arrive at the airport by his 4:30 a.m. sign-in time, which is one hour prior to take off. Our ritual was that he would always text me when he arrived at the airport (texting because I was back fast asleep the second he drove down the drive:) as I worried more about him driving to Boston than him flying all over the country.

Walking the jet bridge to the first flight of the the last trip!

Dan always tells people that I could fly his plane since we've discussed everything about his various airplanes for the past 31 years, so I thought I would give it a try:)

Let me pause here a moment to brag a bit, if I may! ... Dan was an amazing airline Captain. First Officers (the pilots in the right seat) loved to fly with him The first day after the trip his phone was dinging all day long with texts and phone calls from his fellow pilots and pilot friends congratulating him. FO's would trade trips if they ever saw his name in open time just to fly with him- they enjoyed him as a person and appreciated his relaxed, articulate flying skills. He was an exceptionally skilled pilot having also flown F-4's and F-15's with the Air National Guard. He has 38 years of military and commercial flying time. He loved to mentor his FO's knowing that many of them would be moving to the left seat (i.e. Captain seat) in the next several months. He was a wonderful ambassador for the airline. Besides looking cute in his uniform (!) and having a great intercom voice (!) he would (time permitting) learn his first class passengers names and walk the isle introducing himself and talking to the passengers. Most people were shocked to see him "in the back" and would say that in all their years of flying they had never seen a Captain do that. He was quick to recognize who wanted to chat and those that did not so as not to disturb anyone. Dan never rested on his laurels and continually worked at being an even better pilot. He sought to keep his passengers (and crew) informed and comfortable in any situation- if the flight was on time, was late, or there were any mechanical issues that needed to be addressed. Safety first. He would do everything he physically could to ensure that his passengers made their connections. Being the dog lover that he is when he found out there was a dog(s) in the cargo bay he would check on the animal and then have a flight attendant inform the owner how the pet was doing. He has always stated that his job as a pilot was 5% flying and 95% situational management, and he was excellent at his job. He also endeavored that every leg that he flew had the smoothest landing possible. A "grease job" was his constant goal.

Several months prior to Dan's last flight one of his very favorite BFF First Officers asked Dan if he had anyone lined up to fly his last trip. He had not thought about it at this point. Dave offered his service for the flight and Dan was thrilled. The morning of the flight Dave was pulled off the trip by the company to fly another trip (it happens), so Dan flew the first day with Jim, who jumped at the chance to fly one last time with Dan. Dave, knowing how important this final trip was to Dan, moved a mountain to get back on the trip for the second and third day. Lots of calls to bosses in Boston and DFW and he was back on the trip!

A hug and a kiss to start the first day off!

The jet bridge has been pulled away,

and the tug is pushing the plane back to the taxiway. As you can see in the photos it was a gorgeous morning to go flying. The flight attendants announced at the beginning of each flight that it was Captain Dan's final trip after 31 years. He received rounds of applause with his landings and many congratulations and well wishes from deplaning passengers! It was all so sweet and heartwarming for me to witness. I was so happy for him.

When we arrived at the first layover hotel in Tampa we walked into the room to find this presentation which was setup by Dave who had arrived at the hotel a few hours before us. Isn't that just the sweetest?! We met up with Dave for dinner night one.

Day Two.

This is Dan's friend and First Officer- the very smart and wickedly funny Dave. I can't tell you the last time I've laughed that much for three days straight! Dave was the perfect First Officer to have on Dan's final trip and I'm so grateful to have been along for the last ride.

So proud of him and his career!

The captain at work. It is seriously crazy how much commercial (and military and contract and ...) pilots have to know to fly a plane. Next time you fly, thank your pilot!!

We arrived in Boise right after lunch on the second day.

I'm bummed this photo is so bright and blurry because it was such a fun time, but I wanted to include it for the fun memory of the afternoon.

Day Three.

One leg to Dallas and then one leg, the final leg, to Boston. This photo is in Dallas right before the final leg home to Boston. One of the chief pilots in Dallas met us at the gate and asked Dan if he would like to say something to his waiting passengers. This was totally unexpected. I couldn't get my cell phone out fast enough to record the entire speech, but was able to get some of it!

Last leg of last flight. I was starting to get a bit emotional at this point.

As he taxied the aircraft to the runway in Dallas Dan received a "water cannon salute!" This is when Dan got emotional.

Video of his water cannon salute

This video was sent to Dan from DFW Operations.

My late father and Dan were very close. As I sat in my seat waiting for the last flight to take off I said a prayer to God, the Universe and to my father that Dan's last flight and last landing would be a great one since I knew how much that would mean to Dan. I was sitting in an isle seat and the man one row ahead of me in the opposite isle seat had a newspaper open that was in my direct line of sight. Now mind you, if the person next to me- either to the right or left, or the person directly in front of me had a newspaper open it would not have been in my direct line of sight. On the page of the newspaper I stare at a very familiar image... a large photograph of the Tower of Americas in San Antonio, Texas.

I grew up in San Antonio and my father, who worked in the engineering department at the City Public Service, helped design and layout the electrical for the tower in 1966/67 during its construction for HemisFair 1968. I remember driving to the site with him on the weekends to check he progress. The tower has always been a symbol of San Antonio (home) and my father for me. In that moment I knew my father was there with us in spirit. After wiping away my tears the next time I looked up the man was looking at the "Sports" page (my father loved all sports) and then he turned the page again and there was the familiar font of the front page of the San Antonio Express -News that I remember well from growing up. That man in the opposing isle seat, the only seat in my direct line of sight, could have been from anywhere in the world on this flight to Boston, but he arrived from San Antonio and was reading the San Antonio newspaper which just happened to have an article about the 1968 Tower of Americas in it on this particular day and he just happened to be looking at that page with that symbolic image to me when I just happened to look up. Coincidence? I think not.

I could overhear two gentlemen (brothers) sitting in the row behind me talking about the Tetons where they were returning from a fly-fishing trip. Dan and I spread my father's ashes in the Tetons many years ago as it was his favorite place in the world. The signs were all around me that my father was there with us and he did not want me to miss a single one.

The flight, and Dan's landing in Boston were perfect, by the way.

After looking down the road at retirement for so many years it feels a bit strange to both of us that it is actually here. His being home all the time just feels like he is on a long off-period between trips. Dan is loving not having a schedule. When people would ask what he would do after "graduating" the joke was "Whatever my wife tells me to do on the to-do list:)" But the truth is we haven't done a single thing! I think we've just been settling into this new adventure and living life. (I think the new year will be a perfect time to start cracking the to-do list whip, don't you?!) Since his last trip we have had several guests visit, and in October we flew to Oregon to surprise my mother on her 92nd birthday, and to see Dan's mother who is in poor health. Otherwise we are simply enjoying being home and loving on puppy dogs! We tend to stay busy, but I honestly couldn't tell you what we do. Dan occasionally toys with the idea of doing corporate flying, so if you, or your company, or anyone you know has a private jet and needs an excellent pilot give him a holler:)!

It feels nice to be back writing. Thank you for letting me relive this experience and share it with you. I haven't seen the photos in a while, so it was lovely to remember the trip... for both of us.

OHHH MY GOODNESS !!! I'm so glad you are back (I've been missing for three years) My husband turned 65 two years ago and retired / American/ international/ Philadelphia/ captain. He was nowhere near ready, but is at peace with it and has been blessed with a new flying career. He is now a personal pilot for a lovely family and plans on flying for 4 or 5 more years. He'd definitely go back to the airlines if they called, but is enjoying the trips and especially the family and their "Barbie jet" ;). I've been an avid reader of your blog for years and so enjoyed reading about your move, your home and it's gorgeous additions and transformations. I have hijacked many of your ideas.The Thomsons wish you a happy retirement....keep blogging!!! (PS...my oldest son lives in the Tetons! (Jackson) we love it too)

Kathy!! I used to follow YOU until you stopped blogging!:) How crazy the connections of AA (Dan flew international for several years) and the Tetons. Dan said he would love to chat with your husband about after-airline flying and the transition! Would love for you email me at fortheloveofahouse@comcast.net xxojoan

I saw your email pop into my box today and thought wow it's been a long time since I've seen one of these..I thought maybe I had been missing them! I enjoy reading your blog. What a great post. I really enjoyed reading this. I totally agree with you- your dad was on that flight!! Best to both of you and the pups.

Welcome back!! Fought back tears as I read your post. I flew (F/A) for AA for several years out of ORD and DFW and to this day I still get butterflies on every take-off. AA cockpit crews are the BEST! Congrats to you and your family and enjoy the next chapter after “graduation.” 👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸👏🏻👏🏻

So glad to see you back! I love to fly, travel often and appreciate a great pilot and a great landing!! Loved the stories - especially about Dan checking on pets and letting the owners know how it's going for their pet! I actually interviewed and was accepted into "stew" school years (and years) ago but made another job choice but I've always thought maybe I should have!! Looking forward to seeing you back on the blog and IG!!

Relieved and happy to read your post. I, obviously along with other fans/followers, was a bit concerned about the lack of words/pictures. It will be a pleasure to learn about your lives post Dan's graduation. Welcome back. A follower (first time commenter) from Port Angeles, Washington.

I have missed your posts. My husband and I went to Maine this fall and then drove to see some of New Hampshire and took many backroads while enjoying the state. I would look down some of the farmhouse driveways and think I wonder if this is where Joan lives!!! Loved you shared about Dan's retirement. It was a great story and the San Antonio paper part made me tear up!Glad you are back to posting.

Welcome back and Congratulations on your husbands 'graduation' ! What a lovely post, and such a touching ending with the water cannon salute. That must have been a very emotional moment for you both. Hope you and hubby are enjoying his time at home...... Missed you and glad you are back !

Wonderful post, Joan! Congrats to you and Dan on the retirement - what an amazing career! I am looking forward to reading more of your posts in the New Year. :) Glad that y'all are happy and healthy - puppy dogs too! ~Miranda from Hannah's Hill

Welcome back. I too was surprised to see a post in my e mail.I've never commented, but followed as we share a love for rescued dogs. Both of ours are rescued. Congratulations to Dan, enjoy your retirement you deserve it.

This was so fun! I'm planning on retiring in 18 months and am excited. You and Dan look really skinny so I guess this year has been good to you. Wow, Dan was a really hard worker. 2 a.m.? Two-hour commute? Wow.

Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing Dan’s last flights. I have thought of you often and miss your blog posts. So happy you’re back. Congratulations to Dan on his graduation! Hope you and Dan are enjoying this next leg or chapter of your lives.

So happy for Dan! We have missed you and worried about both of you... next time I was in NH I was driving up to knock on the door to make sure all was good! So glad all is well! Don't ghost us like this again as we all worry.

I've missed your blog, I was just thinking about you this past weekend, and low and behold I get your email. I’m so glad your back! Congratulation to Dan for graduating (retiring), what a wonder send off by his friends. If I had known you were going to be in Tampa I would have come to TIA with a big banner congratulating Dan on his retirement, I live about 20 minutes from TIA when the traffic is good.

I'm looking forward to reading your adventures with Dan and you sweet pups.

So nice to have you back! Reading about Dan’s last flights had me crying happy tears for you both. Then reading about how your dad was with you on the last leg... well...alligator tears. Can’t wait to see where your next chapter (and the to-do list) takes you!! Welcome back!!

Hello! I cannot tell you how glad I am to see your new post! Would you believe I randomly just checked in with your blog a few days ago hoping to find a new post? I must confess, I haven't completely read your new post yet, but perused it, and then decided to get myself a glass of wine, cozy up, and savor some pleasant reading before going to bed. So looking forward to it! Congratulations to both you and Dan! And please keep blogging! We've missed you! :)

Hello Joan and Dan, You know, I had sometimes wondered what Dan did professionally, and airline pilot is perfect for someone who is strong, caring, and dependable, as you have proved him over and over again in your posts. I wish you both many years of happy and active retirement. I am sure that there will never be a dull moment with the two of you around.--Jim

Jim, so lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your sweet comment. We still both quote you (and in turn, think of you) from when you once told me that we can turn any regular outing into a lark!! Hope you are well! xxojoan

Ah, thank you for sharing such a special and momentous occasion! You've been missed in my inbox, so welcome back. Wishing you, Dan, and the puppies a joyous Christmas and New Year! Would love to see your holiday decor. :-Dxo Heidi

Joan, Grace-anne here from Dallas and from your old neighborhood. I once lived on the corner of Lawn Haven @ Edgemere near the old Dealey School and you were on Royal Crest. I’ve been following your blog for several years now not knowing it was you. And, when I saw Dan’s picture and I knew immediately I knew you both! A huge congratulations to Dan and a big hug to you both. I am so happy both of you are doing well. I do enjoy reading about your enchanting home and sweet pups. Come see us when in Texas!

Grace-anne!!!!!!!! Omg, that is crazy that you've followed but didn't know it was us! You will not believe this, but I literally thought of you a couple of weeks ago when we were out antiquing and saw some coin silver spoons with monograms. You once told me to look for ones with a "G" monogram. I've never found one, but still find myself looking for you:) How are you and your family?! I bet your little ones aren't so little anymore! I can't remember, had y'all moved before we did? Flying through Dallas was the first time I had stepped foot in Texas since we moved here in 2008 :O I got here and loved it so much I never wanted to leave lol!! Would love to see your family, send me a pic if you can to fortheloveofahouse@comcast.net ! Remember little Kelsey?! Her ashes are spread here. So fun to find your comment this morning. xxojoan

So glad to see a post from you again (Liz/Infuse With Liz). I can well imagine how emotional Dan had to be about retiring. I enjoyed reading this and learning about his career. I had no idea he was a commercial pilot. My mother is 96 now so I can relate to the issues that come up. Prayers for Dans mother. I am terrible about visiting instagram so I have missed whatever you’ve posted. Again so glad to see a post from you. Blessings to you and Dan for this Holiday Season!

Congrats to both of you! My hubby just retired from the FAA after 33 years. It’s a whole new adventure! We are thinking of doing a long trip up your way (the NE), since it’s been awhile since we’ve been up that way. I hope this chapter brings nothing but joy and happiness for you both.

I was excited and surprised to see a post this morning... Little did I know!!..lolol WOW..... I smiled... I laughed... I shed a few tears... What a beautiful post to celebrate your husband and his retirement!! And now new adventures.... Congratulations to your husband and to you!! Good times ahead !!

Congratulations on Dan's retirement! As with previous commenters I found your blog because of your house and continued to follow because of the similarities in our lives. Married to airline/military pilots and living in old houses, with bunches of dogs. We still have a while to go before airline retirement so I will be reading your posts with great interest! Glad to have you back! P.s.- we have a few AA friends, it's a small wonderful airline community!

Congratulations Captain and family!! You have had a career to be proud of! Thank you for sharing your final legs and well deserved water cannon salute. Enjoy your December in beautiful New Hampshire with uninterrupted time!

OMGoodness, I was so HAPPY to see your name in my inbox, couldn't get over here fast enough! I just thought you had quit blogging. CONGRATULATIONS to Dan (and you) on his retirement, (graduation)!!!!! I am a VERY fearful flyer, so much that I didn't fly for almost 30 years!!!! I still don't like it at all. Our next door neighbor flies for American!!! I wonder if Dam knows him!?? I will email you his name. Best wishes to you both on this new chapter of your lives. Joe and I are enjoying retirement very much! SO glad to see you back!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!XO, Pinky

Welcome back Joan!! Bonnie Blue and I have missed all five of you. Looks like your neck of the woods is having a snowy fall so far. I am still totally jealous of all your snow. Looking forward to seeing what all you have been up to on the farm! Take care and a very Happy Christmas to you all!

So happy to see you are back! I have loved your blog for years and take such inspiration from it. Dan sounds like a wonderful man and pilot, and I'm grateful for his many years of service and commitment to keeping the skies friendly and safe. May you both be blessed with a long, healthy, and happy life together!

How lovely that you are back. I really enjoy your blog and your account of your husband's "graduation." Retirement is wonderful and life changing. It also takes a lot of work to adjust and flourish. But your two will have a wonderful time. Love, Maddie

It was really great having a post from you. Congratulations to your husband on his retirement. That was wonderful that you got to go on his last flight. You will both love retirement. We were so busy and went places all the time. My husband would wake up every morning and say well,what shall we do today. We love it.

So happy to see a post from you in my email! Congrats on Dan's retirement and thanks for sharing that momentous final flight with us. Years ago, I was married to a corporate pilot so I understand a bit about the life of a pilot. Wishing the two of you the merriest of holidays.

Again (Once on IG), I am so glad you are back! I have wondered about you but since I retired 2.5 years ago, I don't get on my Feedly as often as I did at work (never expected that!!). I knew you had gone quiet but didn't realize how long. Dan is a wonderful husband so no doubt he was a great pilot. Great way to share his graduation and look forward to hearing about your new adventures!!

Joan it was,wonderful to read your tribute to Dan as he made his last trip as an AA Captain. The pictures were outstanding. The camaraderie of the entire crew was evident and the fact that everyone thinks very highly of Dan.Loved the fact that your Dad was with you on the final leg of the flight. I have a picture of him and your Mom on my desk that was taken at their house and was just looking at it the other night. Miss them both and the connection with my Mom. Glad to see you back blogging and look forward to seeing more! All the best to you and Dan and the pups! NancyJo

I have missed your posts. Thank you for giving us a peak into your husband's last flight and retirement. We are a couple of years from approaching this ourselves, and you encouraged me. May your years ahead be full of contentment and may you see more evidences of the Lord's guiding your steps.

Wishing Dan Congratulations on his graduation/retirement. There are so many opportunities for him still in the private sector. I missed your posts so much, and was thrilled when I saw this. Read every word and even re-read. Can I tell you, I guessed in the very origins of your Dallas posts, that Dan was with an Airline, but I wasn't sure whether he was a Pilot or Chief Pilot. I flew as a F/A with American out of JFK (my family base) and LAX many moons ago. I belong to the Kiwi's, the Alumni Club for F/A's who no longer fly. I'm guessing Dan will join the Retired Pilots Group, You two are a fantastic combination. All the best to you both and your "girls". And please, keep us in the loop. Loved his "last leg" speech, and the water cannon salute.

So happy to see you back!! You make such a beautiful couple and wish you all the best on this new part of your lives together. I can't wait to see your upcoming posts now that I am completely addicted to your blog. Thanks again for the tips on the sisal rugs😉

Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan

ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE WEEK!!! Click photo for all info AND a video! please, please OPT TO ADOPT!

Please meet sweet, gentle, low energy LUNA!! Luna is a 6-year-old American Bulldog/Staffie blend. She was found roaming the streets in Corpus Christi, Texas. Social media is a wonderful tool but it can also be dangerous if information given is incorrect. She and her son were reported as terrorizing Corpus and were a danger running the street. A homeless man stabbed Luna. A wonderful good Samaritan in Pipe Creek drove to Corpus to see what all the ruckus was about. They opened the car door and Luna and Cuda jumped in and gave her, her husband and teenage daughters kisses. Now Luna was frothing at the mouth and had very stinky breath so I am sure everyone thought she was rabid. This wonderful lady and her husband took her to the vet and a stick was lodged at the roof of her mouth and spanned from molar to molar at the roof of her mouth. It had been there a while and was causing pain and salivation. Once removed Luna was calm and the frothing stopped. I am sure she just wanted someone to help her so she was running up to people but she couldn’t tell them the problem. People assumed she was going to hurt them. This wonderful family asked CCPAL for help in finding her dream home. Luna is getting treatment for heartworms and will be ready for her forever home in a few weeks. She is a lower energy sweet dog. She is good with other dogs and all people including kids. Please watch the video and PLEASE, PLEASE SHARE!!

Please consider a donation to the KURA Project! Click image to read more.

A donation of $25 provides a girl in Kenya an "Opportunity Kit" of personal sanitary items that will last her a year or more.

"when every corner speaks of possibility I know that I am home." -unknown-

There was a time when I could not have even pointed out New Hampshire on a map, not knowing where it exactly was, but here we are! In 2008, after living for 15 years in the beehive that is Dallas, Dan and I finally escaped and landed in a very small town in New Hampshire that doesn't even have a traffic light. Perfection! Our move was a huge risk, but it has paid off with dividends and we absolutely love it here. I think we are really Yankees at heart. If you've never been to New England I cannot describe it with adequate words, you really just have to experience it. It is like no other part of the country. Its beauty matches our beloved Colorado, Oregon, and Washington and its spirit (Live Free or Die) is reminiscent of Texas, and the people... well, we have found them to be most genuine. In essence... we feel as if we have arrived home!

the living room

the kitchen

the dining room

the reading room

the master bedroom

the master bath

the North guest room

the South guest room

the guest bath

the barn room

the summer barn room

the barn half bath

the barn mud room

With the eyes to see it and the hands to create it, we can recover the home that the soul desires.
-A. Lawlor-

to send a note, mail to... fortheloveofahouse@comcast.net

my paint and stain colors:

It's a house with rooms that reflect a place, a feeling, a memory of the past.-unknown-

Simplicity-Making your life a creative work of art. A great piece of art is composed not just of what is in the final piece, but equally important, what is not. It is the discipline to discard what does not fit- to cut out what might have already cost days or even years of effort.